The country Mexico is a North American country sharing its borders with the United States (north border) and some Central American countries (south border). One cannot address the glorious natural features of Mexico without referencing its existence as one of the countries that gets a lot of tourists’ attraction and has now become one of the most explored places in the world today.
Some of the country’s most cherished sites are; the world largest pyramid which is found in Mexico. The pyramid is called the Pyramid of Cholula and is of impressive size, even larger than the known Pyramid of Giza. There are so many museums in the country, the country has about one hundred and seventy museums, one of which is the Bellas Artes Museum. The country is quite welcoming and it gives a sense of relaxation to nationals, students and tourist, especially with its wonderful landscape, mountains, beaches, satisfying culture, diverse linguistic or international language, the mixture of vibrant traditions and lifestyles, and also the possible career opportunities.
Subtopics:
- About Studying in Mexico
- Why Study in Mexico?
- Mexico Educational System Compared to Other Countries
- Top Institutions in Mexico
- Scholarships/ Financial Aids/ Bursaries
- Student Visa Processing/ Procedures
- Post Study Opportunities
Why Study in Mexico?
There are certainly a lot of convincing reasons as to why you could consider studying abroad Mexico. For starters, the experience is definitely worth it both within and outside school, the cost of living is affordable, students get the chance to understand Spanish language and learn the different cultures in the country and also enjoy varieties of delicacies.
It is of no doubt that Mexico has indeed become one of the top and best choices of international students who are interested in studying abroad in Mexico. Majority of the courses offered in Mexican Education Institutions are offered in Spanish language while on a few but major university offer courses in English language. In living a life of a student in a Mexican university, it is also easy to just to the way things are being run in the country in terms of education and there are also diverse opportunities which will definitely make your stay in the country worth it.
Despite the fact that Mexico is home to over 60 additional indigenous languages, the majority of its citizens speak Spanish. But keep in mind that Spanish spoken in Latin America differs from Spanish spoken in Europe in some significant ways. But don’t worry. With what you already know, you should be able to get by just fine. Over time, though, you’ll start to pick up the strange and fascinating local idioms.
A growing number of Mexican universities and business schools are offering degree programs taught in English in an effort to draw in more foreign students. You can select from a choice of postgraduate degree programs in English. The EGADE Business School at Tecnológico de Monterrey, for instance, offers a variety of English degree programs to students.
Thanks to its international entrepreneurial environment, which focuses on creating competences for corporate innovators and entrepreneurs as well as new entrepreneurs, its Full-Time MBA in Innovation and Entrepreneurship draws students from all over the world. In specialized innovation laboratories, students have the chance to work on real-world initiatives while under tutelage of senior executives who lend their own depth of knowledge to the classroom. Four overseas study trips to Silicon Valley, Guadalajara, Tel Aviv, and Shenzhen are also available to students.
Finding work after graduation is one of a student’s key concerns. In light of this, several institutions in Mexico have agreements with businesses in many industries that give students professional internships at an early stage of their education. The best method to discover more about the chances offered by colleges before making your final decision is to read up on the program website and contact the universities you are interested in.
One of Mexico’s most alluring features for anyone considering to relocate there is its healthcare system. The IMSS system and the Seguro Popular are the country’s two main public healthcare delivery systems available to inhabitants. Both temporary and long-term residents can apply to IMSS online or in person at the location nearest them. The monthly dues are roughly US$40. The system, however, has some restrictions that prevent persons with specific pre-existing diseases from being admitted. But there are no such limitations with Seguro Popular; anybody, regardless of any medical issues, is eligible to apply. The system mostly provides free medication, and the costs are dependent on income, therefore the annual fees per household can range from $0 to US$500.
Mexico Educational System
Higher education institutes can be either public or private. In Mexican higher education, the US education model is typically adopted, with a minimum 4-year bachelor’s degree (Licenciatura) and two postgraduate degrees (a 2-year master’s degree (Maestra) and a 3-year doctoral degree (Doctorado), followed by the higher doctorate of Doctor of Sciences) (Doctor en Ciencias).
This educational framework allows Mexican students to pursue a master’s degree after receiving a Licenciatura or a doctoral degree after receiving a Maestra while studying abroad. It closely resembles the Bologna Process, which was launched in Europe in 1999. A large percentage of Mexico’s public universities do not approve part-time enrollment programs, in contrast to other OECD nations.
Depending on the program, undergraduate studies typically run at least four years and are separated into semesters or quarters.
Postgraduate studies
Since 2005, postgraduate study at universities and research institutions in Mexico have been divided into two categories:
Geared toward professional advancement
Especialización. a 1-year study that leads to a Specialization Diploma (Diploma de Especialización), following the completion of a bachelor’s degree (Licenciatura).
Maestría. a 2-year degree that confers the title of Master after receiving a bachelor’s degree (Licenciatura) (Maestro).
Geared toward scientific research
Master of Sciences. a 2-year degree that confers the title of Master of Science following a bachelor’s degree (Licenciatura) (Maestro en Ciencias).
Doctorado. A 4-year degree (Licenciatura) immediately following a bachelor’s degree, or a 3-year degree (either Maestra or Maestra en Ciencias) after a master’s degree.
Mexico Educational System Compared to Other Countries
The educational system of Mexico is definitely not complex and can be said to be favourable to every student studying in the country’s educational institutions. Tracing it down to the foundation, children in Mexico are expected to start with the preschool education which is available for children who are of age three. Then there is the Primary School (Primaria), which consists of six grades for the age bracket 6 to 12. This educational level is made mandatory for students and is free of charge. Also, the students are to be taught second language due to the new standards which have been set by SEP.
The Middle School (Secundaria) is of lower and upper secondary education, with both covering the age bracket of 7 to 12. Mexico also provides for Vocational Education and Tertiary Education. Followed by this is Preparatory School (Preparatoria), For preparatory school, also known as high school and students are expected to compulsorily see their studies through this level down to the 12th grade, although some provisions are made for specialized education in the country.
There are two school programs, the first is, SEP, Incorporated Preparatoria having a curriculum made mandatory by the government and by the Secretariat of Public Education on behalf of the government. The second program is University Incorporated Preparatoria. The Tertiary Education is established on various options of degrees and programs offers to both national and international students in Mexico; which include Undergraduate degree, Master’s degree and Doctorate degree.
Top Institutions in Mexico
These Institutions are high ranked and have built good reputations within and outside Mexico. There is also the recognition given to their essential feature; accreditation, research facilities and areas, convenient environment and so many more. Below is a list of excellent universities in which international students studying in Brazil can be properly groomed and get the very best from the country Mexico:
Universidad National Autónoma de México (UNAM)
The university is Mexico’s highest ranked and highly respected educational institution and it was founded in the year 1910 by Justo Sierra, the then Minister of Education of Mexico. The university which in English means; “The National Autonomous University of Mexico, is well known and has been able to produce wonderful and notable personalities, having properly trained them and equipped them. The National Autonomous University of Mexico is recognized for its strength in various field of study, its research investments and outputs.
The university has different campuses, with the main campus in Mexico City, other campuses are placed in Leon, Santiago de Querétaro, Temixco, Mérida, Morelia, Ensenada, Sisal and Cuernavaca. The subjects which are being taught at the university are; Social Science, Physical Science, Arts and Humanities, Engineering and Technology, Life Sciences, Clinical, Pre-clinical and Health, Business and economics, Education, Law, and Computer Science.
Tecnológico de Monterrey (ITESM)
The university is a large non-profit private Mexican university and in English means, “Monterrey Institute of Technology.” and the university was established in the year 1943 Monterrey Institute of Technology has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Its educational system of the institution is run within thirty-three branch campuses with various courses being offered in diverse areas or fields of study for officially recognized degrees which includes; bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and also doctorate degree.
International students are being enrolled into the institution and they also able to make use of the school facilities and services such as; the library, the labs, the music room, research facilities, medical facilities, sport facilities and lots more. Accommodation is also provided for students to make them conformable and enjoy their stay in Mexico.
Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM)
The Metropolitan Autonomous University was founded in the year 1974, it has various campuses and is composes of academic units, precisely five. The university has been able to make provision for undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Science and Arts for Design, Biological Science and Health, Natural Science and Engineering, Basic Science and Engineering, Social Sciences and Humanities and Environmental Engineering.
The university has also received various applications from international students who would love to study abroad in this educational institution. The Metropolitan Autonomous University also has in all its campuses different centers such as; medical centers and foreign language centers. Also, the campuses are equipped with the right facilities such as; sport and recreational facilities, academic and research facilities. There are also several bookshops, restaurants and libraries coupled with other essential student services
Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN)
The National Polytechnic Institue (IPN) is a public institution which was established in the year 1936 and has managed to maintain a top record as one of Mexico’s high ranked universities. A wide range of study abroad is being offered by the university, thereby ensuring international interactions and cooperation’s. The National Polytechnic Institute is best in the domain of engineering and within existing fields of study, those which are recognized and offered by the institution are; Engineering, Biomedical Studies, Mathematics, Interdisciplinary studies, Physical science, and Social and Administrative Science.
For international students who want to study abroad in Mexico, this university is often recommended as the tuition fee is affordable, student exchange programs are offered and admission can be given to students for any degree provided the necessary requirements are complied with. Foe a bachelor’s degree, an applicant must provide evidence of high school study, for a master’s degree the applicant must be a holder of a bachelor’s degree and for a doctorate degree the applicant must have completed his master’s program.
The university’s main campus is located in Mexico City and the campus is referred to as Zacateno. Just as majority of universities do, the National Polytechnic Institute (IPN) provides services such as career advice, counselling, digital services for the purpose of research and access to the internet, libraries, restraints, accommodation sport facilities such as; soccer, tennis, taekwondo, judo and baseball.
Scholarships/ Financial Aids/ Bursaries
In Mexico, there are several scholarship opportunities offered by the Mexican government, various universities and bodies. They can be easily accessed and applied for by international students that would love to seize the chance to study abroad in Brazil. Below is a list of scholarship in Mexico and the eligibility standard:
- Mexican Government Scholarship Program for International Students (Master’s or Doctorate degree).
- CONACYT OAS AMEXCID Scholarship Program (Master’s or Doctorate degree)
- CONACYT National Scholarship (Master’s in Engineering & Innovation and Business Administration at Cetys University)
- UDEM Excellence Scholarship fo2r Foreign Students (Bachelor’s degree at the University of Monterrey)
- National Quality Postgraduate Program Scholarship (Master’s or Doctorate degree)
- CEP Scholarship (Master’s or Doctorate degree at the UNAM)
Student Visa Processing/ Procedures
The type of visa a student may apply for depends on the duration of studies. For nationals there is no need to get a visa but Non-nationals do need a student visa. If the period of study is within 180 days, then a Visitor Student Visa can be applied for. Also, for a duration shorter than 180 days. apart from EU nationals who do not need to get visas to study abroad in Mexico, nationals of the following countries do not also need to apply for a visa to study abroad in Mexico.
They are; Andorra, Barbados, Belize, Ecuador, Israel, Japan, Argentina, Panama, Norway, San Marino, Colombia, Brazil, Costa Rica, United States, Jamaica, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Malaysia, Palau, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, South Korea, Australia, Chile, Bahamas, Liechtenstein, Hong Kong, Iceland, Monaco, Macau, Switzerland, Peru, New Zealand, Paraguay, Vatican City, Trindad and Tobago, Venezuela, and Uruguay.
For international students who want to further their study abroad in Mexico for a period longer than 180 days, application is to be made for a Mexico Temporary Residence Visa. To get Mexican Student Visa from the embassy or consulate, there is a need to go through certain process and make available certain documents such as: booking an online appointment at MEXITEL Website, filling an online application form, payment of visa fee, providing required documents like passport, passport photographs, school transcripts or diploma, proof of acceptance to a Mexican university, a booked flight, proof of legal residence and proof of health insurance. It is important to note that a Mexico student visa cannot be renewed but renewal is possible for a Mexico temporary resident card before its date of expiration.
Post Study Opportunities
Mexico gives room for persons who have completed their studies in the country, to be employed or settle with their business. It is however advisable the students start the journey of job search even before they complete thief studies as there is definitely a high level of competition. Having being an international student in Brazil, a renewal of the Student Temporary Resident Card is important. Then when a job has been secured there is a need to get a Mexico Work Permit upon the application of the employer also with other requirements or documents tendered. This will enable the easy change to a Mexico Temporary Residence Card which has to be renewed and after 4 years such person can apply for Mexico Permanent Residence, so as to enjoy a peace and long stay in Mexico.
The work permit is to be applied for by the employer at the National Immigration Institute with the submission of certain documents such as; CV, Mexico work permit request form, the details of the job offer or contract and photocopy of passport.
Final Thoughts
For international students, Mexico is a fantastic study abroad destination. Not only will you obtain a top-notch education from its renowned colleges, but its inhabitants are also welcoming, the weather is pleasant, the food is delicious, and it offers interesting cultural attractions. To top it all off, compared to other nations, Europe has inexpensive living expenses. We wish you the very best as you embark on your journey to study abroad.